Despite evidence suggesting the role of the parent-child relationship in externalizing problems, few studies have examined the direct and indirect association of father rejection and externalizing problems. This research examines the mediation effect of peer victimization in the association of paternal rejection with externalizing problems in adolescents. Besides, it explores the moderating effect of impulsivity on this association. In total, 2,116 pupils completed anonymous questionnaires about paternal rejection, peer victimization, externalizing problems, and impulsivity. Sex, age, paternal and maternal education, and per capita income were set as covariates. The results revealed that peer victimization mediated the relationship between paternal rejection and externalizing problems in adolescents. Impulsivity played a moderating role not only in the relationship between paternal rejection and externalizing problems but also in the link between peer victimization and externalizing problems. Specifically, paternal rejection predicted greater externalizing problems only for adolescents with high-level impulsivity, and peer victimization was predictive of greater externalizing problems only for adolescents with high levels of impulsivity. The findings highlight that paternal rejection and peer victimization have a potential, long-lasting influence on the psychological well-being of adolescents, particularly for adolescents high in impulsivity.
Keywords: externalizing behavior problems; impulsivity; mediating effect; paternal rejection; peer victimization.
© 2022 Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.